Mini Monets and Mommies: Holiday Gift Guide: The Best Books for Kids

Monday, December 7, 2015

Holiday Gift Guide: The Best Books for Kids

Holiday gift buying for kids doesn’t always have to include pretty little plastic dolls and crazy-massive playsets that require hours of assembly and a wheelbarrow filled with batteries. Something as seemingly simple as a book can give your little one hours of enjoyment.

Holiday gifts

Does your child love art? Are you looking for a way to introduce the art-viewing experiences to your toddler, preschooler or young child? Keep in mind, the illustrations in these books are art too! I was so excited to receive the book Dress Up in the mail from Home Grown Books (while I did receive the book for free, all opinions are my own). After paging through this awesomely artsy board book I couldn’t help but add it to my list of gifting favorites. If you’re not sure which books to put under the tree (or stuff in a stocking) this holiday season, check out what ‘Dress Up’ is all about and some of these other top picks!

Holiday Guide

(This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclosure statement for more information).

Dress Up, by Kyla Ryman, artwork by Cecile Dyer
Board Book

Originally published as part of The Play Set from Home Grown Books, Dress Up is a creatively cute easy read with imaginatively artistic pictures (courtesy of Brooklyn-based artist Cecile Dyer). Cats play ‘dress up’ with accessories, accompanied by a word on each page for the item. Simple enough for babies and toddlers to take on, with illustrations that will still interest preschoolers.


This is one that I’ve read something like a million (ok, that’s a bit of an exaggeration) times while teaching children’s art classes. Not only is it an intro to some famous artists (in animal form), but it also teaches about getting along with others and accepting different opinions.

You Can’t Take a Balloon into the Metropolitan Museum by Jacqueline Preiss Weitzman, illustrations by Robin Preiss Glasser

Take a trip through NYC, and some famous artworks, in this wordless book.

Snowballs by Lois Ehlert

The found object collages make easy work for your child when she wants to identify the natural items in this winter-themed book.

Brown Bear,Brown Bear, What Do You See? By Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle

Animals and colors make this pick perfect for kids who are just learning the basics.

Dream Snow by Eric Carle

A Christmas book for Christmas time! Carle’s collage-like style interest’s the child’s eye, adding vivid visuals.

Babar’s Museum of Art by Laurent De Brunhoff
Museum art

Who doesn’t absolutely love Babar? The adorable elephant book features some of the most famous works of art – all elephant style. I love this one for young children. It gently introduces them to the world of art, through the eyes of a favorite character.

Art Dog by Thatcher Hurd
Kids' book

An art heist at the Dogopolis Museum of Art is the focus of this oh-so-cute story. With imaginative illustrations, this read tells a tale that will interest kids in preschool through the early grade school years.

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Maurice Sendak

Chances are that this was one of your childhood favorites too. It’s a classic for a reason! The detailed illustrations jump off the page, making it an amazing entry into the idea of ‘viewing’ art.

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

I remember my mom reading this to me as a child. And, I certainly remember the hundreds of times that I read it to my own child. The bold pictures turn a winter’s snow into a can’t-miss children’s book.

So, now that you have a few choices—what’s next? Take some time to look at the pictures with your child. Point to them, ask your child what she sees and encourage her to tell you what she thinks is going on. This can help her to figure out the story, even if she isn’t able to read the words quite yet. Why do this? It helps to build her budding early literacy skills and lets her see that art is all around us!
Gift Guide

Are you looking for some creative crafts to go with your book reading adventures? Follow my Pinterest board for ideas.

 

 
Follow Mini Monets and Mommies's board Childrens' Book Activities on Pinterest.

28 comments:

  1. I read this article. I think You put a lot of effort to create this article. I appreciate your work. thebabyguides

    ReplyDelete

  2. I have not heard about before. Keep sharing more blog posts on this Community and get extra benefits with this ideas and knowledge. Thanks for this one.
    myhome compe
    branded

    ReplyDelete
  3. I appreciate your blog.It was so informative for everyone.Recently I faced malwarebytes web protection won't turn on problem in my system.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Take me back to those peaceful days where my only homework was to read a picture. But now I get complex math equations, and the word homework has changed to assignments. I want to read these books once more just to remember those peaceful days. So I will prolly give my assignments to an assignment service that provides quick assignment help so that I’ll finally be able to get some spare time.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Third, and it's typical for every best essay writing service: you get a flawless result. Proper introduction, necessary length, fonts and even format. No need to look everywhere how to make it

    ReplyDelete
  6. These escorts will consistently ensure your high quality sex performance and by this you will be able to ensure the services of escorts russian Haridwar Escorts women with square measure provide you the simplest services which will make you just constantly for your life needed.
    Nainital Escorts

    ReplyDelete
  7. The very next time I read a blog, I hope that it won’t disappoint me as much as this one. After all, I know it was my choice to read, however I genuinely thought you’d have something useful to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you can fix if you weren’t too busy searching for attention. game light

    ReplyDelete
  8. Ah, I almost forgot that my younger brother has a birthday coming the next week. I think I should gift him a few of these books. Hmm, I guess I have to first look for a dissertation consulting help service and outsource my dissertation to them. So I can plan his birthday – otherwise, I will neither have the time nor the energy to plan anything. I hope I find a service soon.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Custom 60 ml Bottle Packaging Boxes use to engage customers and build your trustworthiness. Box customization sends a reasonable message: "This deal with our item and customers most meticulously, starting from the package," and could lead to the customer's last purchase. Also, note that a case along with your sizes allows you to guarantee the item and advance in the package store network.

    ReplyDelete
  10. The relevance of the class 10th (SSLC) mock question paper for Tamil Nadu SSLC students in preparing for the final test cannot be overstated. As a result, the Tamil Nadu board publishes the TN SSLC model question paper in PDF format online. TN 10th Question Paper These PDF files will assist students in comprehending exam patterns and mark distribution for each chapter. Students' confidence and time management abilities will improve when they complete the class 10th example question papers.

    ReplyDelete
  11. We make a gathering with students or with teachers community and lots of group discussion made here and this conference hall is amazing. Weight loss plan for women

    ReplyDelete
  12. Custom Essential Oil Boxes: Label your available essential oil items with great necessary oil boxes. Contact Custom Mailer Boxes for custom essential oil boxes at a minimal cost. Fundamental oil elements are extremely sensitive and require special consideration. Essential Oil Boxes

    ReplyDelete
  13. Logo designing is a process that makes your Custom Soap Packaging Boxes supplies more attractive and stylish. That attract potential customers from all over the world.

    ReplyDelete
  14. This deal with our item and customers most meticulously, starting from the package," and could lead to the customer's last purchase. Also, note that a case along with your sizes allows you to guarantee the item and advance in the package store network. classes for estheticians

    ReplyDelete
  15. Very nice blog and articles. I am realy very happy to visit your blog. Now I am found which I actually want. I check your blog everyday and try to learn something from your blog. Thank you and waiting for your new post.online cna course ca


    ReplyDelete
  16. The best gift that i an give you as book is " art of not giving f*ck " & ask someone to do my essay in cost effective rates

    ReplyDelete
  17. This is a valuable and informative post, thanks for the share.
    igoal88

    ReplyDelete
  18. The Boiler Room Oyster Bar is another popular seafood boil spot in Greensboro. Their Low Country Boil is a customer favorite, featuring a delicious mix of shrimp, mussels, clams, sausage, corn on the cob, and potatoes, all boiled in a flavorful broth.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Es kann Nebenwirkungen haben. Vermeiden Sie daher Kamagra oder lassen Sie sich von einem Arzt beraten, wenn bei Ihnen schwerwiegende Nebenwirkungen auftreten, oder nehmen Sie ohne zu zögern medizinische Hilfe in Anspruch.

    ReplyDelete
  20. um festzustellen, ob Cobra 120 mg eine geeignete Behandlungsoption ist.
    Ziel dieses Artikels ist es, ausführliche Informationen über Cobra120mg bereitzustellen, einschließlich seines Wirkmechanismus, cobra120mg

    ReplyDelete
  21. let me introduce you to the remarkable Rip Wheeler Jacket. If you're a fan of the hit TV series "Yellowstone," then you know exactly what I'm talking about. This jacket has become an iconic symbol of rugged style and undeniable coolness, just like the character who wears it.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Brave the elements in style with our rugged outdoor Carhartt Pink Jacket. Designed for adventure, our jackets are built to withstand the toughest conditions while keeping you looking sharp

    ReplyDelete
  23. This ted lasso track jacket captures the essence of the character, exuding warmth and positivity, just like the personality it's associated with. The vibrant color and comfortable fit make it a standout piece in any wardrobe

    ReplyDelete
  24. Whether you're dressing up for a night out or aiming for a chic daytime look, the beth dutton blue coat from TLM online store is a standout choice that demands attention

    ReplyDelete
  25. Giving children holiday gifts doesn't always have to involve buying them enormous playsets that take hours to assemble and a wheelbarrow full of batteries, or cute little plastic dolls. Even something as seemingly straightforward as a book can keep your child occupied for hours on end. The post described above is quite relevant and intriguing. I appreciate you taking the time to write this. It's clear that you put a lot of research and distillation into this essay. The information's facts and examples are really helpful. I have no doubt that a lot of people will find this piece to be helpful.

    ReplyDelete